Boxers Smokey and Bandit waited patiently for Msgr. Mark Campbell to arrive at the third annual Blessing of the Animals in Old Town on Sunday.

They were among scores of dogs, two donkeys and a handful of cats and rabbits to take a sprinkling of holy water from the monsignor’s aspergillum at the ceremony in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

“The blessing of animals has a long-standing tradition,” said Campbell, who spent eight years as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town before transferring to Our Mother of Confidence in University City. “We especially remember St. Francis of Assisi’s great and deep love for animals. He loved all animals. He saw in them the beauty of God’s creation.”

What the Lord created may he also heel and protect, said Tom Hirzel, of El Cajon. He and wife, Susie, said they hoped the blessing would help guard against the cancers and hip conditions Boxers are predisposed to.

“We are both extremely devout and what we believe in very strongly is the good Lord and the good Lord’s teachings,” Tom Hirzel said. Animal blessings are not uncommon here. Several churches and community organizations across the county host similar events for dogs, cats, turtles, goldfish, lizards and other domesticated creatures.

At Congregation Dor Hadash, the blessing is part of the recognition of Tu B’Shevat – the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. There, a rabbi’s reading from the blessing has included the following quip: “May their feathers always be preened and smooth and sleek.” The members responded: “May they never suffer from ick, and may their fins and scales always sparkle in the light of your sunshine.”

On Sunday, Campbell presided over a group blessing for more than 100 pets before each of them had the opportunity to meet individually with the monsignor. Campbell smiled at Rosy, ran his fingers through Sam’s thick coat and took a moment to compliment Izzy, a therapy dog.

He also spent a few extra seconds with state park donkeys Dulcinea and Don Quixote and Chopper the Biker Dog, a Boston terrier wearing the requisite goggles, bandanna and leather while riding around on a remote-control motorcycle.

“Get a look at that guy go,” Campbell said. The dog has its own website called Chopper’s Daily News: “All The News That’s Fit To Chew.”

Code Four, a German shorthaired pointer known for his sartorial pizazz, arrived with a surfer safari look: goggles, lei and aloha shirt. Terry Lamb, Code Four’s owner, said the dog planned to change into a braided wig and leopard sarong, among other components of the elaborate outfit.

Most of the animals were in good health, although not all of them were on their best behavior. Z Kripke, a retired pediatrician from La Jolla, said she recently visited a church gift shop in search of a particular pendant. The founder of Papillon Picnic Club of Southern California, she’s had trouble with her youngest, Bandit, doing his business in the house.

“I asked if they had a medal for housebreaking,” Kripke said. “I was told they did have one for St. Jude,” the patron saint of desperate and lost causes.